The Best Comics to Read After Finishing Watchmen: Chapter II

By Edward Beasley
Contributing Entertainment Writer

Alan Moore's "Watchmen" is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic books of all time. While Zack Snyder's Watchmen film was praised for its visually stunning and groundbreaking style, many fans of the comic criticized it for straying from the source material.

With the release of "Watchmen: Chapter II"on November 26th, DC set out to create a more faithful adaptation — and they succeeded. Now that the two-movie saga has concluded, here are the top recommendations for comic books to explore next. Don't worry, this article is spoiler-free.

More Comics From The Watchmen Universe

Jim Lee
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Chief Creative Officer and publisher of DC Comics Jim Lee attends the Warner Bros. Premiere of "The Suicide Squad" at The Landmark Westwood on August 02, 2021 in Los... Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images/WireImage

Comics set in the "Watchmen" universe are controversial, partly because of Alan Moore's vocal disapproval of projects set in the world he created. While some of his criticisms are warranted, we recommend the best of these comics below.

"Before Watchmen" is a series of comics set before the events of Moore's "Watchmen." While most of the series is unremarkable, "Before Watchmen: Minutemen," created by one of comics' most beloved artists and writers, Darwyn Cooke, stands out as a notable exception.

"Doomsday Clock," written by Geoff Johns, is perhaps one of the most polarizing entries on this list. While some aspects of the story may frustrate and confuse fans of the original Watchmen, the series features stunning artwork and several memorable moments.

"Rorschach," by Tom King and Jorge Fornés, is set 35 years after the conclusion of Moore's original comic. While some fans feel the story disrespects the legacy of a beloved character, others praise King's writing and the fresh perspective it brings.

With the exception of "Minutemen," most comics set in the "Watchmen" universe have been met with mixed reactions from fans. If these comics aren't your cup of tea, the recommendations below include some of the most acclaimed comics of all time.

Alan Moore's Best Comics

Alan Moore's Best Comics
Acclaimed English comic book writer Alan Moore, pictured at the Edinburgh International Book Festival where he talked about his latest work. Alan Moore is the author of Watchmen, and one of the most highly regarded... Colin McPherson/Corbis via Getty Images

While Watchmen is considered by many comic book fans to be one of the greatest comics of all time, some believe the legendary work isn't even Alan Moore's best. Below is our list of the best Alan Moore comics.

"Promethea," created by Moore, J.H. Williams III, and Mick Gray, is an extraordinary story filled with magic, adventure, and imagination. Williams' legendary artwork reinforces "Promethea's" status as one of the greatest comics ever created.

"Top 10," created by Moore, Gene Ha, and Zander Cannon, offers one of the most unique takes on superheroes in comics. The story focuses on the local police precinct in a world where everyone has superpowers, blending humor and drama in a way few series can match.

"Miracleman" is one of the most legendary comics ever created, thanks to Moore's groundbreaking writing and some of the most innovative art of its era. Known for its exploration of godlike heroes and featuring one of the most brutal scenes in comic book history, "Miracleman" was far ahead of its time.

"Swamp Thing" is consistently regarded as one of DC's best series, in part because of the standard set by Moore's groundbreaking run. With James Gunn recently announcing that "Swamp Thing" will be part of the upcoming DCU, now is the perfect time to explore this incredible character.

While Alan Moore is known for dark and gritty stories, "Tom Strong" showcases some of his most optimistic work. Featuring a distinctive, creative art style that perfectly fits its setting, "Tom Strong" tells the story of a protagonist who uses science to save the day.

For more of Alan Moore's work, recommended reading includes "Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?," "Batman: The Killing Joke," "V for Vendetta," and "Captain Britain."

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Edward Beasley

Ed Beasley is a Newsweek Entertainment Writer with a focus on all things comic books. With over a decade of ... Read more

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